Theme 4 - Concepts and Ideas

Abstraction simplifies and removes subject matter from reality so that it is no longer immediately representative of the material world.  By simplifying and schematizing form, line or gesture, the artist arguably removes his subject from the distraction of external reality.  There are many theories that underline abstract art – the concept of art for art’s sake whereby art is considered in terms of style and aesthetic pleasure rather than its meaning and intentions and the idea that abstraction adopts a different dimension by laying bare spiritual and conceptual aspects for the viewer.  Pioneers of abstract painting include Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian and Naum Gabo

General Questions

1.       What does the artwork convey to you – a physical representation of an object or an emotion?

2.       Examine the aesthetic qualities of the artwork, how does the artist use his techniques and style when approaching colours, texture, composition and form

3.       Why do you think the artist chose to present his idea in the abstract style?

Nguyen Than (Vietnam 1948 – present)

Lunch

Oil on canvas  162 x 260 cm  1994

Collection of SAM

Jimmy Quek (Singapore 1955 – present)

Cosmic Landscape 

Oil on canvas   127 x 152 cm  1986

Collection of SAM

Syed Ahmad Jamal (Malaysia 1929 – present)

Gunung Ledang 

Acrylic on canvas    212 x 203 cm   1978

Collection of SAM

Liu Kang (China 1911 – Singapore 2004)

Abstract (Fish)

Oil on Canvas   71 x 91.5 cm  1961

Collection of SAM

Han Sai Por (Singapore 1943 – present)

Growth 

Marble   Dimensions variable  1985

Collection of SAM

Anthony Poon (Singapore 1945 – present)

Blue Chromatic Waves 

Acrylic on Canvas  122 x 122 cm  1980
Collection of SAM